My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Modifications"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Incites => Topic started by: Goose on January 28, 2020, 08:59:25 AM
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I've got a frame-off resto in progress and as we repair the tubs hat channels I'm considering adding a 3/4 nylon spacer for a bit of a lift. I figure added height will help oversize tire clearance and provide a bit more room for the V6 transplant that's about to happen. Anyone think of any reason not to add a 3/4 inch body lift? Thanks in advance.
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I purchased a box of used hockey pucks off ebay and used them between the body and frame on our '52 M38. They are 1" thick hard rubber and can be trimmed with a saw or cut to fit and drilled to fit the bolt.
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I never done it myself but....
Unless you want the transmission up higher for an increased "high center";
I estimate near zero advantage to doing a body lift.
The tops of the front and rear wheel houses can easily handle 34" tall tires.
Taller and wider tires tend to rub the inner rear wheel house.
Taller and wider tires can also rub on the frame up front.
A tub lift adds nothing to solve those two issues.
A tub lift will move several things out of kilter.
Like shift levers and pedal locations.
Front fender alignment is also effected.
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Thanks oldtime, good to hear from the pros. Think I'll delete the idea.
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If you have through the floor pedals you will be hacking up your floor. Also your throttle linkage will change. Your radiator fan shroud might not fit your front fender braces won't match the mounting holes.
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Thanks Mark, I've tossed the idea for being more problematic than beneficial.
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A somewhat dissenting opinion. Whether or not a body lift is beneficial depends on the rest of the build. I have to agree with Ken that, in a more or less stock Willys, a body lift causes at least as many problems as it solves. That said, in a more or less not stock Willys with Saginaw steering and hanging pedals, a body lift can benefit in a lot of other ways besides tire clearance. In my 3B a 1" body lift added a few gallons capacity in the rear tank, made room for a taller radiator, allowed fitting an air tank in front of the rear axle, and provided enough clearance between the brake booster and the left side sbc valve cover to actually be able to remove that cover. And maybe enough tire clearance to get 35's on it (jury is still out on that). With the wide track width front axle it now sports, there are no issues there but the rear is still going to be tight.